Chemical reactions and interdiffusion at the Fe/NiO(001) interface

The interaction between Fe and NiO(001) surface for increasing metal deposition at RT was studied by means of Xrayphotoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron diffraction. NiO reduces to an extent that depends on theamount of deposited Fe, up to a maximum of 1ML for Fe deposition of 5ML or larger. The overlayer initially growsin a 3D island mode, with partial intermixing between the deposited Fe atoms and the metallic Ni atoms resulting fromthe reduction process. The intermixed region extends up to about 3ML. For 5ML Fe deposition, the islands coalesceinto a continuous film. 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.